The University of Limpopo (UL) invites applications for two (2) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship positions under the DSTI/NRF South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) in Liberation Heritage and Politics, hosted in the Faculty of Humanities.
The Fellowships aim to strengthen the University’s research and intellectual environment while providing structured postdoctoral training for recent doctoral graduates, supporting the development of advanced research skills, publication output, community-engaged scholarship, and preparation for academic careers. Linked to SDG 4 (Quality Education), the Chair seeks to transcend the traditional view of liberation as a closed historical chapter, instead positioning liberation heritage as a vital, living data set derived from both empirical archives and indigenous oralities.
This approach allows the Chair to navigate the complexities of contemporary citizenship and the future of African society by utilising the Limpopo Province (a critical, yet under-theorized frontline of the liberation struggle) as its primary empirical laboratory. The Fellowships are tenable for two (2) years, commencing as soon as possible.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A PhD degree (NQF Level 10) in Politics, History, African Studies or a related field, completed within the last five (5) years.
- Evidence of research productivity including peer-reviewed publications.
- Demonstrated interest in African liberation heritage and politics.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, good computer and data management skills, and the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will:
- Conduct high-qual i ty, interdisciplinary research aligned with the SARChI agenda.
- Publish in DHET-accredited journals and peer-reviewed books.
- Contribute to community engagement projects of SARChI.
- Participate in empirical field work research in different settings.
- Assist with postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
- Support grant proposal development and national and international collaborations.
- Contribute to policy briefs and knowledge translation outputs.
- Participate in seminars and activities that promote a strong research culture.
- Comply with research ethics, governance, and data management requirements.
- Represent the SARChI Chair at academic forums and conferences, where appropriate
Closing Date: 10 July 2026
Please submit cover clearly indicating which post you are applying for, a detailed CV with all your names, addresses, contact details and e-mail address and include contact numbers of three (3) referees, certified copies of all qualifications including Matric / Grade 12 Certificate, academic transcripts and a South African ID/ Passport should be forwarded to Human Resources Officer, e-mail applications to recruitment15@ul.ac.za
Email enquiries regarding conditions of service: Prof LT Legodi at lebogang.legodi@ul.ac.za
It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign obtained qualifications evaluated by the South African qualifications Authority. Please note that failure to submit the requested documents / information will result in your application not being considered.
The University of Limpopo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All appointments will be made in accordance with University’s Employment Equity Policy. Correspondence will be limited to short listed candidates only. Applicants who have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date must consider their applicants as unsuccessful.
The University reserves the right not to make appointment.